Ithaca College to host gas-drilling protest

'Epic No Frack Event' to feature films, music

Jun. 22, 2011

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An "Epic No Frack Event" is planned for Saturday at Ithaca College to raise awareness about potential environmental hazards relating to hydraulic gas fracturing.

Jeff and Jodi Andrysick planned and funded the event, which will combine speakers, film screenings, and musical performances. Sessions are planned from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday at Ithaca College's Whalen Center, Ford Hall and Campus Center.

The event comes as municipalities across the state grapple with decisions regarding hydraulic fracturing -- pumping water and chemicals into the ground to release natural gas from the Marcellus Shale. A meeting held in the Town of Caroline last week attracted more than 250 residents and prompted a circulated petition that garnered more than 900 signatures against the practice.

Tables are available for rental at $75 for non-profit groups and $125 for businesses by contacting organizers through their www.allfrackedup.com website.

Admission to the "Epic No Fracking Event" is free, but the couple hosting the event is accepting donations to defray some of the costs.

A number of other events against hydraulic fracturing will be held the same day. A rally in New York City at Foley Square will take place at the site of Collect Pond, which was once a fresh water source for city residents, but has since been drained because of pollution. The Capital District will host a rally at noon at Wallenburg Park in Albany.